What Are The Health Benefits of Drinking Wine?

Louis Pasteur once proclaimed, “Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.” It turns out he was right (in moderation, of course). Bottoms up!

Wine May Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack

Wine is chock-full of antioxidants called polyphenols, but one gets most of the hype—resveratrol. Found in the skin of grapes, resveratrol may protect your heart’s blood vessels and reduce the bad LDL cholesterol. According to a study, moderate wine drinkers had a significantly lower mortality rate from heart disease than heavy drinkers and teetotalers.

It May Reduce Stroke Risks As Well!

A huge study of over 80,000 women between the ages of 30 and 55 found that light drinkers were 20 percent less likely to have a stroke. Scientists have also found that resveratrol may boost an enzyme that protects brain cells from stroke damage.

It Could Stamp Out Cancer

Phenolic compounds in your favorite Bordeaux may lower your risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and oral cancers. It may even slow the growth of cancers in the liver! Wine’s track record versus non-Hodgkins lymphoma is even more amazing. Wine drinkers with NHL may reduce their risk of death or relapse by 25 to 35 percent!

And Prevent Dementia

When amyloid proteins build up on the brain, they form sticky balls that kill brain cells and cause memory loss. Researchers have found that resveratrol stops the pesky protein in its tracks. It distorts the protein’s shape so it can no longer latch onto the brain, saving your memories along the way.

It Gives You a Testosterone Boost

Red wine may ramp up your testosterone levels, which, in turn, may boost your stamina, muscle mass, and recovery time from injuries. Research has found that the antioxidant quercetin blocks an enzyme that shoos testosterone from the body. With more testosterone locked inside, athletes could get a legal edge on the field by having a swig.

Lowers Depression Risk

A seven-year study of 5500 light-to-moderate drinkers suggests that wine drinkers are less likely to suffer from depression. That’s because compounds like resveratrol may have positive effects on areas of the brain that keep you down in the dumps.

And Increases Longevity

With all those benefits, it’s no surprise that a glug of pinot grigio may help you live longer. Compounds in wine activate a protein that helps animals live longer. If the effects translate to humans, those compounds could possibly treat diseases sparked by old age.